Upcoming Childbirth and Parenting Classes & Groups

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
	September 2026
	1 Childbirth, Four-Week Course (Week 1) Childbirth, Four-Week Course (Week 1) September 1, 2026 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Empowered Beginnings CT: Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Wellness Consultants, 3074 Whitney Ave Building 2, Hamden, CT 06518, USA Childbirth, 4-Week Course CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Format: In-person Price: $310 per couple Day & Time: Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 9:00pm Note: We suggest you sign up for a course that will start sometime after your 26th week and ends before your 37th week of pregnancy. This in-person series is great for first-time parents and comes highly recommended by many local midwives and obstetricians for its empowering approach to childbirth. Our goal is to help each family become wise healthcare consumers and to partner with their OB providers for a safe birth using as few interventions as possible. Although the class strives to educate patients and their partners toward natural childbirth (i.e., unmedicated, intervention-free), classes are for prepared childbirth in the hospital, birth center, or home setting. The classes use a multidisciplinary approach, pulling information from resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley (of the Bradley method), the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, educator/doula Penny Simkin, and midwife Ina May Gaskin. Topics Reviewed Physiology and changes in pregnancy Normal progression of labor and birth Relaxation and breathing techniques Coping methods for labor and birth such as hydrotherapy, music, mental focus, and comforting positions Analgesia and anesthesia options such as nitrous oxide and epidurals Benefits and risks of medical interventions The partner's role during labor and birth Postpartum care Newborn care at the hospital See more details	2	3	4 Postpartum Support Group Postpartum Support Group September 4, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm 3074 Whitney Ave 1st Floor, Suit 211 Hamden, CT 06410 Postpartum Support Group Format: In-person Day & Time: Fridays, 11:00am to 1:00pm What to expect: Open to the community! Connect with other new parents in this group facilitated by Ashley & Marlene. You do not need to be a doula client to attend. Babies are welcome, too! See more details	5	6
7	8 Childbirth, Four-Week Course (Week 2) Childbirth, Four-Week Course (Week 2) September 8, 2026 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Empowered Beginnings CT: Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Wellness Consultants, 3074 Whitney Ave Building 2, Hamden, CT 06518, USA Childbirth, 4-Week Course CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Format: In-person Price: $300 per couple Day & Time: Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 9:00pm Note: We suggest you sign up for a course that will start sometime after your 26th week and ends before your 37th week of pregnancy. This in-person series is great for first-time parents and comes highly recommended by many local midwives and obstetricians for its empowering approach to childbirth. Our goal is to help each family become wise healthcare consumers and to partner with their OB providers for a safe birth using as few interventions as possible. Although the class strives to educate patients and their partners toward natural childbirth (i.e., unmedicated, intervention-free), classes are for prepared childbirth in the hospital, birth center, or home setting. The classes use a multidisciplinary approach, pulling information from resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley (of the Bradley method), the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, educator/doula Penny Simkin, and midwife Ina May Gaskin. Topics Reviewed Physiology and changes in pregnancy Normal progression of labor and birth Relaxation and breathing techniques Coping methods for labor and birth such as hydrotherapy, music, mental focus, and comforting positions Analgesia and anesthesia options such as nitrous oxide and epidurals Benefits and risks of medical interventions The partner's role during labor and birth Postpartum care Newborn care at the hospital See more details	9	10	11 Postpartum Support Group Postpartum Support Group September 11, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm 3074 Whitney Ave 1st Floor, Suit 211 Hamden, CT 06410 Postpartum Support Group Format: In-person Day & Time: Fridays, 11:00am to 1:00pm What to expect: Open to the community! Connect with other new parents in this group facilitated by Ashley & Marlene. You do not need to be a doula client to attend. Babies are welcome, too! See more details	12	13
14	15 Childbirth, Four-Week Course (Week 3) Childbirth, Four-Week Course (Week 3) September 15, 2026 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Empowered Beginnings CT: Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Wellness Consultants, 3074 Whitney Ave Building 2, Hamden, CT 06518, USA Childbirth, 4-Week Course CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Format: In-person Price: $310 per couple Day & Time: Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 9:00pm Note: We suggest you sign up for a course that will start sometime after your 26th week and ends before your 37th week of pregnancy. This in-person series is great for first-time parents and comes highly recommended by many local midwives and obstetricians for its empowering approach to childbirth. Our goal is to help each family become wise healthcare consumers and to partner with their OB providers for a safe birth using as few interventions as possible. Although the class strives to educate patients and their partners toward natural childbirth (i.e., unmedicated, intervention-free), classes are for prepared childbirth in the hospital, birth center, or home setting. The classes use a multidisciplinary approach, pulling information from resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley (of the Bradley method), the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, educator/doula Penny Simkin, and midwife Ina May Gaskin. Topics Reviewed Physiology and changes in pregnancy Normal progression of labor and birth Relaxation and breathing techniques Coping methods for labor and birth such as hydrotherapy, music, mental focus, and comforting positions Analgesia and anesthesia options such as nitrous oxide and epidurals Benefits and risks of medical interventions The partner's role during labor and birth Postpartum care Newborn care at the hospital See more details	16 Infant CPR & Safety Class Infant CPR & Safety Class September 16, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Empowered Beginnings CT: Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Wellness Consultants, 3074 Whitney Ave Building 2, Hamden, CT 06518, USA Infant CPR & Safety CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Format: In-person Price: $130 per couple Note: This class is for educational purposes only and is not for CPR certification. Keeping your new baby safe will be a top priority before he or she is even born. This one-session class reviews two important yet often overlooked topics - infant CPR and infant car seat safety. It can be taken before or after pregnancy, and is recommended for parents and any regular caregivers (grandparents, etc.). It is also appropriate for couples adopting a newborn baby. Bring your baby's car seat with you to have it professionally installed by our certified child passenger safety technician at the end of class! Topics: Recognizing an infant needing emergent intervention How to provide choking relief for an infant with an obstructed airway How to perform CPR on an infant Safe sleeping and protecting against SIDS Car safety Proper use of car seats and buckles One-on-one help with installing your baby's car seat See more details	17 Advanced Coping Strategies for Labor Advanced Coping Strategies for Labor September 17, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Empowered Beginnings CT: Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Wellness Consultants, 3074 Whitney Ave Building 2, Hamden, CT 06518, USA Advance Coping Strategies for Labor CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Format: In-person Price: $130 per couple Day & Time: Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm This single session is intended for couples in their third trimester who have completed the 1-day, 2-day, or 4-week childbirth classes. It expands on intervention-free methods of labor management discussed in our prepared childbirth classes. Each couple will receive their own long woven wrap (similar to the Rebozo used by Mexican and Central American Indigenous birth workers) to practice hands-on comfort techniques and coping skills to ease pregnancy discomforts, manage pain during labor, and help bring the baby down into an optimal position for birth. Your partner or support person will learn skills to support you more effectively. This class does not cover general childbirth information. We strongly suggest taking one of our childbirth preparation classes (or one with another educator) prior to this class. Note: This class is best when you are further along in your pregnancy, ideally between 32 and 38 weeks, and after you have completed a regular Childbirth course. What to bring: Bring along a yoga mat, towel, or small blanket for floor work. Dress comfortably in clothing that can accommodate a variety of positions. See more details	18 Postpartum Support Group Postpartum Support Group September 18, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm 3074 Whitney Ave 1st Floor, Suit 211 Hamden, CT 06410 Postpartum Support Group Format: In-person Day & Time: Fridays, 11:00am to 1:00pm What to expect: Open to the community! Connect with other new parents in this group facilitated by Ashley & Marlene. You do not need to be a doula client to attend. Babies are welcome, too! See more details	19 Childbirth, One-Day Class Childbirth, One-Day Class September 19, 2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm 3074 Whitney Ave 1st Floor, Suit 211 Hamden, CT 06410 Childbirth, 1-Day Class CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Format: In-person Price: $160 per couple Day & Time: Saturdays at 9:00am Note: We recommend taking this class anytime after your 26th week and before your 37th week of pregnancy. This one-day class focuses on labor and delivery. It is a good option for first-time parents unable to attend the 4-week series and is an excellent refresher course for parents returning to the birth experience or those who will be attempting a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Compared to the 4-week series, this class is less hands-on and involves more direct, instructor-led teaching with fewer group exercises in order to conserve time. Topics Reviewed: Physiology and progression of labor and birth Relaxation and breathing techniques Coping methods for labor and birth such as hydrotherapy, music, mental focus, and comforting positions Analgesia and anesthesia options such as nitrous oxide and epidurals Benefits and risks of medical interventions The partner's role during labor and birth See more details	20
21	22 Childbirth, Four-Week Course (Week 4) Childbirth, Four-Week Course (Week 4) September 22, 2026 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Empowered Beginnings CT: Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Wellness Consultants, 3074 Whitney Ave Building 2, Hamden, CT 06518, USA Childbirth, 4-Week Course CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Format: In-person Price: $310 per couple Day & Time: Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 9:00pm Note: We suggest you sign up for a course that will start sometime after your 26th week and ends before your 37th week of pregnancy. This in-person series is great for first-time parents and comes highly recommended by many local midwives and obstetricians for its empowering approach to childbirth. Our goal is to help each family become wise healthcare consumers and to partner with their OB providers for a safe birth using as few interventions as possible. Although the class strives to educate patients and their partners toward natural childbirth (i.e., unmedicated, intervention-free), classes are for prepared childbirth in the hospital, birth center, or home setting. The classes use a multidisciplinary approach, pulling information from resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley (of the Bradley method), the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, educator/doula Penny Simkin, and midwife Ina May Gaskin. Topics Reviewed Physiology and changes in pregnancy Normal progression of labor and birth Relaxation and breathing techniques Coping methods for labor and birth such as hydrotherapy, music, mental focus, and comforting positions Analgesia and anesthesia options such as nitrous oxide and epidurals Benefits and risks of medical interventions The partner's role during labor and birth Postpartum care Newborn care at the hospital See more details	23 Comprehensive Breastfeeding Comprehensive Breastfeeding September 23, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 3074 Whitney Ave building 2, Hamden, CT 06518, USA CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Comprehensive Breastfeeding Class Format: In-person Price: $90 per couple What to expect: This is an in-person, single-session course that covers all the essentials for breastfeeding. Class includes hands-on activities with infant models to get a better feel for positioning as well as the opportunity to examine the equipment and supplies that will help you along the way. Partners are highly encouraged to attend! Topics Include: Benefits of breastfeeding Getting a good latch Positioning techniques including hands-on practice with infant models Establishing and maintaining your milk supply Troubleshooting Debunking myths and outdated advice Pumping tips and tricks including demonstrations of how the equipment is used How partners can help See more details	24	25 Postpartum Support Group Postpartum Support Group September 25, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm 3074 Whitney Ave 1st Floor, Suit 211 Hamden, CT 06410 Postpartum Support Group Format: In-person Day & Time: Fridays, 11:00am to 1:00pm What to expect: Open to the community! Connect with other new parents in this group facilitated by Ashley & Marlene. You do not need to be a doula client to attend. Babies are welcome, too! See more details	26 Newborn Care Newborn Care September 26, 2026 9:30 am - 11:30 am Empowered Beginnings CT: Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Wellness Consultants, 3074 Whitney Ave Building 2, Hamden, CT 06518, USA Newborn Care CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Format: In-person Price: $90 per couple This one-session, in-person class reviews normal growth and development in infants from birth to 6 months of age. It is a fun, interactive class that will help reduce any anxiety you might be feeling. Activities include hands-on demonstrations and opportunities for practicing swaddling, diapering, and other infant care. This class may be taken during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. It is also appropriate for couples adopting a newborn baby. Topics Reviewed: Sleep habits Feeding Swaddling Diapering Baby wearing Calming a crying baby Family values clarification when facing unexpected challenges Managing stress as new parents Dispelling myths of early parenting See more details	27
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